Manchester United are the ‘Favourites’ to Sign £30m Premier League Forward – Report | OneFootball

Manchester United in Pole Position for Liam Delap Transfer – Why the Move Makes Sense

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign promising Ipswich striker Liam Delap, edging out rivals Chelsea and Newcastle in the process. As reported by The Standard, Delap is expected to be the subject of a £30million move this summer, with a release clause set to be triggered upon Ipswich Town’s impending relegation from the Premier League.

The young forward, who impressed on loan at Ipswich from Manchester City, is now the focus of intense Premier League interest. Yet, it is United – now under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim – who appear to be the favourites to secure his signature.

Playing Time and Project Appeal to Delap

While Chelsea have a legitimate claim due to Enzo Maresca’s previous working relationship with Delap at Manchester City’s Under-21s, it is Amorim’s project at Old Trafford that could tip the scales.

Speaking to Football Insider, former United scout Mick Brown commented: “Delap is on a lot of clubs’ lists. I’m not so sure he’ll be convinced by the move to Chelsea.” He added: “There’s been a lot of talk about him at Man United, and if you’re Delap you can look at that United team and feel confident you can make your mark there.”

Photo: IMAGO

The suggestion here is simple but powerful: opportunity. Delap is likely seeking more than a squad role. Amorim, reportedly willing to promise him regular minutes, offers precisely that. “The options they’ve got at the moment are not good enough, so Amorim can promise him he will get regular minutes as their starting striker,” Brown continued.

Chelsea and Newcastle Fall Behind

Both Chelsea and Newcastle are seen as capable suitors, but it’s the depth of their attacking rosters that may be turning Delap’s head away. “They’ve signed a lot of players who can’t get in the team or haven’t played enough – Delap doesn’t want to become another one of those,” said Brown.

It’s a poignant reminder of how recent big-name transfers have stalled at Stamford Bridge due to intense competition for places and limited tactical cohesion. Similarly, Newcastle’s project, while ambitious, does not yet offer the same assurance of minutes that Delap desires.

Amorim’s Vision Already Bearing Influence

What is becoming increasingly clear is that Ruben Amorim’s arrival is already influencing the club’s recruitment. Amorim is expected to revamp the squad, particularly in the final third, where United have lacked both consistency and a reliable focal point in attack.

A player like Delap – raw, energetic, but full of potential – fits into Amorim’s blueprint for a younger, more dynamic United side. His track record of working with developing players at Sporting CP could prove key in convincing prospects like Delap to choose Old Trafford over a potentially riskier move elsewhere.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this potential signing is exciting – not just for what Delap offers, but for what it signals under Amorim. Finally, it feels like we’re prioritising smart, long-term planning over flashy, short-term grabs.

Delap might not be a marquee name yet, but if you’ve watched him play this season for Ipswich, you’ll know he’s got everything you want in a modern No.9: movement, aggression, decent hold-up play, and a real nose for goal. At 21, there’s plenty of room to grow.

And crucially, we’re not just signing potential – we’re offering him a real path. That hasn’t always been the case at United. Amorim seems to be telling players: “You’ll play if you’re good enough. I’ll back you.” That’s refreshing.

With Rasmus Højlund still developing, and others like Martial expected to move on, Delap could realistically get 25-30 appearances next season across competitions. That’s ideal development time for a young English striker and a much better plan than him vanishing into Chelsea’s loan army.

It also shows Amorim’s pulling power. The fact we’re leading Chelsea in a race like this says a lot. If Delap signs, it could be the first sign that United are finally starting to think like a modern football club again.